Valve's Source SDK receives a monumental update, granting full access to Team Fortress 2's client and server code. This unprecedented move empowers modders to create entirely new games based on TF2's foundation, exceeding the limitations of Steam Workshop and enabling extensive modifications, expansions, and even complete rewrites of the game.
While commercialization is prohibited – meaning all derived content must remain free and non-commercial – these creations can be published on the Steam Store, listed as independent games.
Valve's rationale, as stated in a blog post, emphasizes the community's significant contributions to TF2, particularly regarding in-game items. To maintain this respect, Valve requests that modders refrain from creating content designed to profit from the community's existing work. Ideally, mods would continue to allow players to utilize their existing TF2 inventories.
This update extends beyond TF2. A substantial update across Valve's Source engine multiplayer titles introduces 64-bit binary support, scalable HUD/UI, prediction fixes, and numerous other enhancements benefiting TF2, DoD:S, HL2:DM, CS:S, and HLDM:S.
This news follows December's release of the seventh and final update to the Team Fortress 2 comic, a seven-year-long project showcasing Valve's enduring commitment to this long-standing franchise and providing fans with rich character development and narrative.
